The scenario

Weight management is one of the most relevant people’s health needs currently. Just to give some figures, it is top of mind for consumers in the United States, where nearly one in three adults struggles with obesity and 60% of consumers are currently trying to lose weight (1). On a global level, more than 80% of consumers are actively trying to manage their weight (2).

Although physical activity is frequently cited as a key strategy for controlling weight, the introduction of GLP-1 drugs has deeply changed public opinion. More than half of American consumers now consider prescription drugs to be a highly effective method for losing weight, indicating a growing interest in medical treatments and a possible transformation of the weight-loss industry. At the same time, online inquiries about the adverse effects of weight loss treatments have surged considerably in the last five years.

The GLP-1 agonists: how they work, and their side effects

GLP-1 agonist is a class of medications that mainly help manage blood sugar (glucose) levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Some GLP-1 agonists can also help treat obesity.

These drugs may also be called Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, GLP-1 receptor agonists, Incretin mimetics or GLP-1 analogs. They work by mimicking Glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone controlling hunger, increasing feel of satiety, blocking secretion of some hormones (e.g: glucagon related to raise blood sugar levels), lowering amount of glucose in blood (3).

GLP-1 receptor agonists are associated with several adverse effects. These include gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, diarrhea, and emesis.

Furthermore, patients may experience muscle loss, particularly if dietary intake and physical activity are not adequately addressed. Nutrient deficiencies, dietary imbalances and dehydration can also occur, often resulting from altered eating habits and reduced diet quality in individuals on GLP-1 therapy. Rapid facial fat loss may lead to cutaneous laxity, exacerbating wrinkles and fine lines. Finally, although research is ongoing, preliminary data suggest potential impacts on mood and behavior, potentially manifesting as impaired concentration, dysphoria, depressive symptoms, and sleep disorders.

How may nature help managing side effects of GLP-1 agonists

Natural ingredients may offer solutions to manage GLP-1 use side effects. Indena has a wide product portfolio actually effective for people who are passing through the 3 phases of the GLP-1 life cycle management:

1. before: people who need to face weight issues (overweight or obesity), who can be called “the GLP-1 agonists –curious”;
2. during: people who are losing weight;
3. after: people who need to maintain weight loss.

Central to Indena’s “GLP-1 companions dossier” is UBIQSOME^®, a key product designed to provide support throughout both the “during” and “after” phases of weight loss. It is the first and only CoQ10-based health-food ingredient formulated with Indena Phytosome^® technology, with proven uptake in human muscle and dermal cells, to the benefit of cellular energy, muscle strength and improved skin structure. UBIQSOME^® revolutionizes CoQ10 delivery, ensuring optimal bioabsorption and directing coenzyme Q10 exactly where it’s needed: inside muscle cells. This makes it a game-changer for weight loss support, actively boosting muscle strength, function, and performance, and powerfully counteracting the lean mass loss that can occur with GLP-1 medications.

“Before” phase

The critical role of natural ingredients in metabolic health is well-established, backed by compelling scientific data that confirms their efficacy in modulating precise metabolic targets across healthy and borderline populations. In this initial stage, we identify a specific demographic — dubbed “GLP-1 agonist-curious” — who have not yet commenced GLP-1 pharmacotherapy. Our objective is to furnish trustworthy natural solutions capable of significantly adjusting metabolic parameters and addressing various discomforts.

• BERBEVIS^®: it is an innovative Berberine-based ingredient, enhanced by Indena Phytosome^® technology, that comprehensively supports metabolic health. It offers a valuable intervention before the initiation of GLP-1 agonist treatment. By optimizing blood sugar and lipid levels and influencing anthropometric parameters, BERBEVIS^® provides a scientifically validated solution for early metabolic imbalance management. Moreover, Berbevis^® has been named Ingredient of the Year in the Botanicals category at the 8th annual NutraIngredients-USA Awards in 2025, recognizing its breakthrough contribution to modern nutraceuticals.
• BEANBLOCK^®: derived from an Italian source, this triple-standardized and purified bean extract significantly improves food consumption patterns, aids in hunger management, and contributes to optimal body weight. Its action culminates in a refined control over carbohydrate metabolic processes and absorption.
• GREENSELECT^® INDENA PHYTOSOME^®: leveraging the traditional wisdom of green tea, and uniquely formulated with Indena Phytosome^® technology retaining its complete catechinoid profile, this natural ingredient supports the preservation of healthy body composition, stable blood sugar, and optimal lipid parameters across all phases of life.
• VAZGUARD^®: sourced from Southern Italian bergamot and featuring a unique polyphenolic fraction optimized with Indena Phytosome^® technology, this compound provides comprehensive support for metabolic syndrome-related issues. It targets unhealthy accumulation of visceral adipose tissue, one of the major risk factor for metabolic syndrome, whose rebalancing effectively contributes to adjustment of high blood sugar, fatty liver, and unfavorable cholesterol and triglyceride profiles, offering a compelling natural choice for early metabolic health interventions.

“During” phase

While specific GLP-1 agonists offer therapeutic advantages, their administration may also lead to various adverse events. These can manifest as gastrointestinal disturbances, dehydration, reduction in lean body mass, disruptions to mood and sleep patterns, mental exhaustion, and compromised skin integrity. During this treatment phase, natural ingredients hold the potential to mitigate or counteract some of these undesirable effects.

• CASPEROME^®: This comprehensive blend of boswellic acids, enhanced by Indena Phytosome^® technology, delivers a pleiotropic effect that promotes a healthy inflammatory response. It has demonstrated efficacy in alleviating stress and discomforts associated with both the musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal systems.
• MERIVA^®: through Indena Phytosome^® technology, this ingredient delivers a highly bioabsorbed curcumin, elevating the Ayurvedic benefits of curcuminoids to a scientifically substantiated level. With over 40 human studies confirming its efficacy, MERIVA^® is uniquely positioned to combat low-level chronic inflammation, promoting robust muscle, joint, and bone health.
• PRODIGEST^®: it is a synergistic combination of artichoke leaves and ginger extracts, proven to expedite gastric emptying and improve motility from the very first dose. It provides swift relief from common gastrointestinal discomforts.
• RELISSA^®: utilizing a standardized, non-melatonin lemon balm extract, enhanced by Indena Phytosome^® technology, this product is designed to ease the burden of negative thoughts, anxiety, and stress manifestations. Its action contributes to a significant improvement in mental balance, sleep patterns, and general quality of life for a 24h well-being. Relissa® has won the 2024 NutraIngredients Award in the Cognitive Function category.
• VIRTIVA^® PLUS: a synergistic blend of Ginkgo biloba extract and phosphatidylserine, this nootropic combination improves decision-making speed and overall responsiveness. It allows for more efficient reactions to sudden stimuli or demanding situations, boosting performance.

“After” phase

The weight loss journey, whether completed or on hold, can still present challenges, as some GLP-1 agonist side effects might linger. This is where dietary supplements become indispensable. Their role is to extend the relief and progress made, both during and after treatment. This phase is key to locking in those vital health parameters for the long term.

For the post-treatment phase, a substantial contribution can still be derived from numerous Indena products employed during the preceding two stages, notably: BEANBLOCK^®, BERBEVIS^®, GREENSELECT^® INDENA PHYTOSOME^®, MERIVA^®, PRODIGEST^®, RELISSA^® and VIRTIVA^® PLUS. 

Complementing these, another ingredient is introduced for this concluding phase of the therapeutic trajectory. It’s CUBO^®, a synergistic formulation, comprising a dual extract of Curcuma longa and Boswellia serrata both formulated with Indena Phytosome^® technology. It confers a dual beneficial impact on gastrointestinal physiology: it supports the maintenance of gut microbiota homeostasis and optimized motility, thereby mitigating symptoms such as abdominal distension, discomfort, and cramping.

It is indeed possible to achieve significant, rapid weight loss with pharmaceutical support while simultaneously maintaining health equilibrium. This can be accomplished by integrating natural ingredients throughout the entire process, which effectively mitigate the metabolic and physical challenges posed by drug therapies.

Indena’s innovative and scientifically validated botanical extracts are specifically designed to partner with people’s weight loss journey, ensuring rapid progress without sacrificing overall wellness.

Contact Details:
Laura Bo - www.indena.com